7 Binge-Worthy K-Dramas That Grip You From The Pilot

Imagine the situation: everyone is raving about a K-drama and you tune in, only to find yourself slogging through episode after episode, waiting for the story to finally get good. Been there, done that?

That means you are now looking for something that will grab you from the get-go. Well, your search is over. Here are seven addictive South Korean dramas, spanning various genres, that fans swear will keep you hooked from the very first episode.

Bloodhounds (2023)

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Where to stream: Netflix

This short and well-paced drama follows the story of two young boxers who venture into the private loan business and quickly become entangled in the surrounding drama and violence. With just eight episodes, it captures viewers' attention right from the start.

Itaewon Class (2020)

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Where to stream: Netflix

Among the myriad of revenge K-dramas, Itaewon Class truly stands out. It's a modern take on The Count of Monte Cristo, following Park Sae-ro-yi, a young man whose life was shattered by a powerful family. Now, years later, he's prepared to bring them to their knees.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

IMDb rating: 8.6/10

Where to stream: Netflix

Let's face it, we all love a good legal drama, especially one with a one-of-a-kind protagonist. Woo Young-woo is the first Korean lawyer on the autism spectrum. Young-woo's social awkwardness is offset by her exceptional IQ and photographic memory, which help her win cases with remarkable skill and charm.

Flower of Evil (2020)

IMDb rating: 8.6/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki

Cha Ji-won and Baek Hee-sung are far from your typical married couple. She's a tough police detective, while he's hiding a dark secret that threatens to unravel their entire life together. Their cat-and-mouse dynamic is both confusing and captivating, drawing viewers in from the very first minute.

Mr. Sunshine (2018)

IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Where to stream: Netflix

If you're a fan of the sageuk genre, this gem is sure to enthrall you from the start. Set in the 19th century, it follows the journey of Eugene Choi, a Korean man born into slavery who manages to escape and reinvent himself. When he returns to Korea to fight for its independence from Japan, Eugene finds himself falling in love with a noblewoman who is out of reach.

Crash Landing on You (2019)

IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Where to stream: Netflix

Yoon Se-ri, a wealthy South Korean heiress, accidentally winds up on the North Korean side of the Demilitarized Zone while a Korean People's Army captain is on patrol. This unlikely duo gradually finds common ground and eventually becomes one of the fan-adored star-crossed lovers in K-dramaland.

Alchemy of Souls (2022-2023)

IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Where to stream: Netflix

Set in a mystical land where magic is wielded by the powerful, this sageuk weaves an enchanting tale. The Alchemy of Souls spell, which enables body-swapping, is at the heart of the story, intertwining the destinies of an elite warrior and a young mage.